311 - Uplifter Review

Uplifter is a confusing album. I bought it several weeks ago on its day of release, and still I struggle to summarize my feelings for it. After two complete listens I was feeling more than a little pissed off and preparing to write a ranting “WTF happened to 311?” review. But then I woke up the next morning with “Mix It Up” stuck in my head. The following day “Daisy Cutter” was bouncing around my cavernous dome. I listened to album in its entirety countless times over the next few weeks. My anger began to dissipate, replaced by déj�* vu harkening back to the band’s 2005 release Don’t Tread On Me. As with that slab of mediocrity, I can’t say if I actually began to enjoy these songs, or if I was merely entering a state of radical acceptance; “So this is where the band is now…” I fear Nostalgia and a strong desire to like the material may have lead to an inflated rating.

Let me say that the songs contained in Uplifter are rock-solid and well developed. Musicianship is top-notch, as it always has been throughout 311’s nineteen-year journey as a band. Every member is given ample opportunity to shine while the band effortlessly transitions between their distinct blend of hip-hop/rock/reggae and all things in between. Most listeners (particularly those unfamiliar with the band) will find very little to dislike here. So why then does this effort feel soulless?...full text This is for those who have actually listened to the album:

1. How long have you been a 311 fan (if ever)?
2. What are your favorite songs on Uplifter and why?
3. What do you rate the album (1/10)?
4. General opinions?
5. How do I get a hold of the 4 bonus tracks? (my cd didn't come with them, I didn't even know they existed! website links for tracks?)

MY REVIEW:
1. 14 year fan (wow!)
2. It's Alright, India Ink (Hexum's flow in this song is sweet!), Daisy Cutter, Too Much Too Fast, Two Drops in the Ocean (I'm not really a romantic, but man this song makes me want to sweep a girl off her feet), Jackpot
3. Rating for Day 1 of owning Uplifter: 7
4. I do find this album to be Uplifting. I think it's very cool 311 set out to "uplift" its listeners during some troubling times lately. This album has some very "pop" sounding songs. I think this pop-sound will disinterest some long-time 311 listeners. In fact, "Hey You" has that pop sound. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Uplifter is not full of "Hey You" tracks, as I don't care for Hey You. However, I'm a long time 311 fan and I thoroughly enjoy this album. 311 will not be returning to the days of Music/Grassroots. They've moved on. Why not join them?

What more can I say then, the album is well, Uplifting. I look foward to their Detroit show in a couple weeks.
5. ?...full text 311 write feel-good summer songs, so it’s only appropriate that their latest album, Uplifter, hit stores at the beginning of June. Rarely straying from the successful amalgam of genres that made them stars in the ‘90s – rap-rock, reggae, pop, ska, alt-rock – 311 are less concerned with updating their sound than they are with boosting its impact. As a result, Uplifter will probably fall into the for-fans-only category, but even newbies will be able to appreciate the quintet’s melodic assurance....full text